Chapter VII: Draco's Task

Today is going to be a good day. I hope. I didn't really get a chance to gauge Draco's reaction to my revelation as I left the room directly afterwards. But it's now 5:30, I've done my workout and I think he's had long enough to think about it. I stand up and almost run to my door. I cross the common room at a slightly more leisurely pace and knock on Draco's door. No sign of life. Sigh, I turn to go, then I hear:

"Granger? Is that you?"

"No. It's the Tooth Fairy. Of course it's me you twit. Only McGonagall has our password and I would hate to think of why she would be knocking on your door this early." The door opens a few inches and his head pokes out.

"I would hate to think of why you are knocking on my door this early. Do you have any idea what time it is? Are you insane?"

"Yes I am insane, insanely bored. I've been up since four. Now open up, I've some stuff to talk to you about."

He hesitated a moment and opened his door. Wow. This kid can decorate. It's hard having to be in Gryffindor. Everybody expects your favorite colors to be scarlet and gold. If I were to decorate my room in green and silver like Draco, everyone would think I'd gone bonkers. Humph. I should be able to make my room black without people thinking I need to be psychoanalyzed. My mood is slightly dampened by the fact that Draco has a cooler room, but as I plop down onto his bed it improves. My mattress is softer. He shuffles over and gets back under his covers.

"What is so important that you need to wake me up this early?" I see a scowl. Draco is definitely not a morning person.

"Well, you of course remember last night's conversation." He's awake now. "Have you ever considered taking a more active role in the war? Have you ever thought about what you would do in order to bring about a swift change of regime? Are you willing to do all in your power to insure the Dark Lord's complete dominance over the wizarding world?"

He just stares at me. Maybe I didn't give him enough time to digest last night's discussion. Well, too late now. I need him to know what he's going to do so he can go do it. I give him a questioning look, as if to say 'well?'

"Yes. To all of them. And I have a feeling that you can tell me exactly what I can do."

"Oh Drakie-pooh!" That's a wince. "You're good! Seriously though, would you like to become a spy? You would be the perfect turncoat. Now that you've received the letter from your father the timing is very delicate. So answer me now, would you like to work with me as a spy for the Dark Lord?" He's kind of cute when he's thinking.

"What do I have to do?" I may just love him.

"Do you feel you can tell Professor Snape anything?"

"Of course, He's a Death Eater, which makes me wonder why he treats you so poorly. He's usually very soft on us."

"That's because Snape does not know I am a Death Eater. Only my parents, the Dark Lord, and now you do. When you go to him you will not mention me. Do you understand that? Snape is an Order spy. He has been since before the Dark Lord's disappearance." His eyes widened in shock. "Don't ask me why he turned, I don't know. Everyone knows that he is a spy, but the Dark Lord keeps him alive because he is still useful. You will go to Snape and show him that letter. Say you received it early this morning. You will then tell him that you don't agree with the Dark Lord and you don't want all the mudbloods dead. Feed him anything, so long as it's plausible. Tell him you don't know what to do because you don't want your family harmed on your account. If he doesn't come up with the idea of you becoming a spy on his own accord you will nudge him towards that conclusion. Be careful, he is well versed in Legimancy. Have you ever been trained in Occulmancy?" He nods, thank Merlin. "Good, use it. He will probably at some point ask if you want something to drink, accept it. There will probably be Veritaserum in it. Drink it. If you are aware of the administration of Veritaserum, you can diminish and even negate its effects. He will be trying to figure out how true you are almost from the beginning. Do not give him any reason to suspect. If all goes well he should take you to Dumbledore. Any questions?"

"Yeah. How do I fool Dumbledore?"

"No need to fool a fool. If Snape believes you, Dumbledore is convinced. He may look you in the eye and ask if you're sure. Look him right back and say 'yes'. Dumbledore's downfall will be his belief and trust in others. The truth is there are very few people you can trust. I am one of them. The Dark Lord and my parents are the others. I fought very much to get this opportunity for you. Do not make me regret it. I trust that you will carry it out without the least suspicion. Before you get into it though, I must warn you. If you are caught, I cannot and will not come to your aid. This is a lonely business, but when it is over our rewards will make it well worth your while. Once you are accepted into the Order I will not speak to you unless forced. Never right anything down. I know you have an excellent memory, use it. We are working at this from two opposite sides, but we must work together. It's 6:30; you should go. Bang on his door, make it seem urgent. Pretend like you don't know what to do. I'm sure you get the idea. Good luck."

I rise from his bed and pull his covers off of him. He stands up and walks over to his chest of drawers.

"No. Go in your nightclothes, it will seem more believable." He nods and heads for the door. Then he pause with his hand on the doorknob.

"I forgot the letter."

I sigh inwardly, but remain composed as he turns back to the chest, grabs the letter and walks out the door. Now I have only to wait.